Speaking with “CBS This Morning,” the world-renowned astrophysicist explained the history of the U.S. military in space, such as the Air Force Space Command which was founded in 1982.

deGrasse Tyson also appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to explain his support, noting, “If I had any say in the matter I’d say ‘why don’t you throw in asteroid defense?'”

“Why don’t you clean up space while you’re at it? Let’s clean up space debris,” he continued.

Speaking to POLITICO Space about the need for asteroid defense, Tyson said, “I bet if the dinosaurs had a space program, they’d still be here and we wouldn’t.”

Neil also broke down the prospect of peace in space, arguing, “I have low confidence in human nature…If you can be peaceful with one another in space, why not just be peaceful with one another here on Earth? Why should space be different?..If you like peace, show it to me here on Earth.”

Vice President Pence attended a briefing Tuesday to work on establishing Space Force as the 6th branch of the military.

On Twitter Pence wrote, “We face countless threats, but we are rebuilding our military & implementing cutting-edge technology to counter threats on ALL fronts.”

Under @POTUS Trump, America is leading in space again! Important briefing today on establishing the U.S. #SpaceForce as the 6th military branch. We face countless threats, but we are rebuilding our military & implementing cutting-edge technology to counter threats on ALL fronts. pic.twitter.com/8nJwolVuS7